Richard Azer

Richard (Dick) Bennett Azer
Dick was born in his Grandfather Scott's home in Rose City on March 29, 1928 and passed away suddenly with heart complications, January 1, 2013 at his home in Mio.
Dick graduated from the Mio School and served his country in the U.S. Air Force as First Lieutenant during the Korean War. He went on to Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor's of Science and Master's Degree in Petroleum Geology. Dick opened up the huge Orinoco heavy oil field
in Venezuela for Humble/ Exxon in the 1950's and was the most respected well site geologist ""in the jungle"". His procedures and practices were published and followed within the company. Dick was responsible for the drilling of many exploration wells in Michigan as well. Through the 70's and 80's he recorded a number of discoveries, created jobs and of course drilled some dry holes. Every well led to another - he was the consummate believer and supporter. He retired (although he never did) to a home on his beloved AuSable River where he had guided fishermen as a youth. Dick loved the woods, deer, the deer blind, fly fishing, chain sawing, and all men's work in general - he was not a lazy man. That said, it was his soft side that endeared him to us. He loved to guide and enlighten youth about life and goals and the work required to attain them. Most importantly, his son Scott and his wife Sondra were his passion.
He is survived by Sondra, Scott and his step children Cynthia, Christine, John, David and Rick and Nieces Audrey and Julie and Nephew Jay, many grandchildren and even one great grandchild. He is preceded by his Father Ben, Mother Lala and Brother Jim.
Visitation is at Lashley Funeral Home in Mio MI, Thursday January 3, 2013 from 3-9 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Friday January 4, 2013 at 11:00 am with Father Santiago Hoyumpa officiating. The interment will follow at the Mentor Township Cemetery with military honors by the Luzerne American Legion Post # 162.
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio MI.